Which Lincoln welder to buy?

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Hello, Im looking into getting a new welder. My current welder is an SA-200 and its about had it. My initial decision was a Vantage 300 or 400. Im sure the 300 would be enough however, I think I would rather have the perkins engine that the 400 offers. A couple friends of mine are looking into the new cross country, and from what I have read it was said to be an updated vantage. I need a strong generator so I'm not really considering the 300D or SAE 300. Most of my welding is for repair on equipment and structure fabrication. Mostly H beams using an Excalibur 7018. The only time I weld pipe is welding up some joints of casing. If anyone has any advice or information I would love to hear from you. Thanks
Reply:Fix the SA-200, save the money buy a generator for more power.
Reply:My SA-200s are just toys for me to play with. If I was out there making a living with an engine drive welder, you can bet your last nickel I’d have a welding machine with CV, and an LN-25 setting right next to it. Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I agree with CEP, I love my SA200, it was and still is a great learning project. If I was making a living as a welder it wouldn't be my choice. A new diesel powered engine drive with lots of auxiliary power and CV capabilities.  Downtime costs money and I think your odds are better running a new machine. I love to see the customized SA200s on here as I like to see old machinery restored and still in use. The old Lincoln's are a testament to quality USA made products of a bygone era. I hope we can return to those days soonSteveLincoln SA200 (1966 Redface)Lincoln IdealArc 250Steve1990 Miller Dialarc 2501993 Miller Maxstar 140 STR2015 Lincoln MP2101966 Lincoln SA200 Redface
Reply:I have been wanting to restore this welder for awhile now. My dad has 2 that are running and 2 more for parts so I should be able to come across anything I would need. The reason I was considering a diesel is because all of the equipment on the job site have diesel engines. I have been using my dad's Miller big 40 the past few weeks and I like how it starts and runs even after not being in use for weeks at a time.
Reply:I know you want red, but that Miller Bobcat 250 Diesel is freaking sweet.  CC/CV AC or DC.. Shoot do it all, including aluminum tig.... Or Trailblazer 325 if you dont need AC.-JimmySyncrowave 200Millermatic 211 Auto-Set w/MVPSpoolmate 100Hypertherm Powermax 45
Reply:I bought this set up just before the LN-25s came out. Working marine construction everything has to be diesel! I made nothing but money with this machine. In 1995 I sold it for $4,500.00. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Marksdrilling we have several new (3ish years old) vantage 300s and a vantage 400 in the mill where I work. Having used both I really like the quitter 400 with the Perkins in it. The smaller Kubota sound like a rattily gas burner next to the smoother Perkins. The 400 has even been dumped off a fork lift and still lives, with a little bent sheet metal of coarse. For me if I was in the hunt for a new rod cooker and wanted red it would be 400 coming home.Ranger 250 thick stuffHobart Handler 140 not thick stuffthe pane and oxy setup
Reply:Thanks guys for all the good info. We had a trailblazer 302 for about 5 years before it was stolen off a job site. We had zero problems from it even considering it had been dropped out of the truck at least 3 times I know of.  My main reason for considering a lincoln is I have a couple friends that work at the local dealer and they offer great service
Reply:Originally Posted by marksdrillingWe had zero problems from it even considering it had been dropped out of the truck at least 3 times I know of.
Reply:I myself would look very seriously at Miller. I have had much better luck with them than the new Lincolns.  I have had much better service getting parts from Miller than Lincoln also.
Reply:Which miller would be the most comparable to the vantage?
Reply:I have a vantage 300 with the Kubota and I have had great luck with it knock on wood. Sips fuel and has a great arc and plenty of generator power. It runs my plasma cutter better then my old pro 300 with the Perkins did. But Perkins made a great engine back before cat bought them I can't comment on the new ones. Sent from my C811 4G using TapatalkVantage 300 kubota ,miller 304 xmt ,lincoln ln 25 pro , ranger 305 G, plenty of other tools of the trade to make the sparks fly.
Reply:I have a lot of time on the Miller big blue 400 diesels. I've used both the Duetz and Perkins big blue 400's. They weld very nice and can be had with CV option.I still prefer the stick arc on the Lincoln 300D though.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Still would fix the SA -200 add cv adapter buy a 17500 generac from Northern less than 3000. Use a inverter welder for backup.Gas is cheaper parts are around and you can run with 798 guys all day long!Last edited by Pavinsteelman; 09-20-2015 at 11:45 AM.
Reply:Not sure where your lcoated, or how many hours on this, but seems like its a good deal...http://sacramento.craigslist.org/bfs/5227516957.html-JimmySyncrowave 200Millermatic 211 Auto-Set w/MVPSpoolmate 100Hypertherm Powermax 45